Alfama, which is Lisbon's Oldest Neighborhood



Health Care in Lisbon

By Joshua Wood, LPC

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Dive into healthcare resources for expats and digital nomads in Lisbon: identify leading healthcare providers, hospitals, and medical centers for optimal care.

Lisbon has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) and is used by both Portuguese citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Lisbon for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Lisbon are typically crowded and wait times can be long, but the quality of care is generally good. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Portugal. Expats may also choose to use private hospitals, which are typically less crowded and have shorter wait times. Private hospitals in Lisbon are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they provide a higher quality of care.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Lisbon

  • Hospital de Santa Maria - public hospital located in the north of Lisbon
  • Hospital da Luz - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa - public hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de São José - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Cruz - public hospital located in the west of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Dona Estefânia - public hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Marta - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon
  • Hospital de São Francisco Xavier - public hospital located in the east of Lisbon
  • Hospital de Santa Marta - private hospital located in the center of Lisbon, specializing in orthopedics

Emergency Services in Lisbon

Lisbon has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 112. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the time of day and the severity of the emergency.

Health Insurance Companies in Lisbon

The most popular private health insurers in Lisbon are Seguradoras Unidas, Fidelidade, and Lusitania. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


SJB Global
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Lamares, Capela & Associados
Lamares, Capela & Associados

Portuguese lawyers Ana Sofia Lamares and Diogo Capela are the founding partners of the law firm. After deepening their expertise and gaining experience, primarily in the fields of Immigration and Citizenship, both decided to found LACA and pursue their mission. The team brings together lawyers internationally renowned for their expertise, as well as professionals from other areas meticulously and carefully chosen, to ensure that the team is in line with a rigorous personal and professional ethos.
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Lamares, Capela & AssociadosLamares, Capela & Associados

Portuguese lawyers Ana Sofia Lamares and Diogo Capela are the founding partners of the law firm. After deepening their expertise and gaining experience, primarily in the fields of Immigration and Citizenship, both decided to found LACA and pursue their mission. The team brings together lawyers internationally renowned for their expertise, as well as professionals from other areas meticulously and carefully chosen, to ensure that the team is in line with a rigorous personal and professional ethos.
Learn More

SJB Global
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